WAFCON: Okoronkwo faults slow start for Super Falcons’ Malawi loss

July 29, 2026 10:29 am

Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has blamed Nigeria’s slow start for their shock 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions entered the match as favourites. Still, they were stunned by a spirited Malawi side led by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, who scored all three goals for the debutants.

Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while Tabitha added another goal as Malawi secured a memorable victory over Nigeria. The Super Falcons responded with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu but were unable to complete the comeback.

According to Daily Post on Wednesday, reacting to the result, Okoronkwo admitted that Nigeria did not begin the game with the required intensity and said the team must learn from the defeat ahead of their next fixture.

Okoronkwo said, “Next game we have to come back better. In this game, we came out a little flat.

“But it is what it is, we have to go back and learn our lesson and learn where we should fix and come back better in the next game.”

The midfielder also addressed the penalty appeal after she was brought down inside the box, saying she believed the decision should have been reviewed but chose not to dwell on it.

“I don’t know what the referee saw but I think it should have been looked at, but it is what it is. I didn’t get it, so I won’t talk about it or complain about it,” she added.

The result leaves the Super Falcons with work to do as they continue their WAFCON title defence, with Okoronkwo insisting the team must improve and return stronger in their next match.

Gilbert Ekugbe

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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